Connor Zilisch didn’t win, didn’t have a clean race, but reminded everyone watching that speed, determination, and sheer audacity can be more entertaining than a checkered flag.
Now that Connor Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen share space at Trackhouse Racing, the expectation is civility. The reality is they’re still racing drivers.
Four years ago he was wandering Daytona as a fan without a pit pass. Now he’s driving the No. 88 in the biggest race in America.
Connor Zilisch’s Saturday ended in heartbreak, but by Tuesday, he was already smiling — because that’s racing.
In the end, he went from a confident winner—a phenom—to the 19-year-old kid who just got kicked off the playground.
Throughout the country, as the NASCAR season draws to a close, the weather is getting colder and the off-season is coming. Not in Phoenix.
Connor Zilisch gave it everything he had at Las Vegas, but once again the 1.5-mile win got away — this time thanks to a part-time racer who refuses to age gracefully.
Connor Zilisch led 61 laps and survived overtime to hit 10 wins as the Xfinity playoffs turned into a game of musical chairs — with four drivers left standing outside.
Brandon Jones turned Kansas Speedway into his own playground, while Justin Allgaier turned dominance into disaster.
When it comes to Connor Zilisch, it’s almost getting old.